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Brothers and Sisters

In reading over James 5:7-10, I was struck by the number of times the word "patience" was used. Of course, it would be mentioned since it's the theme of this reading. However, what truly did stick, even more so, was the number of times, "Brothers and Sisters" was used. The way James used it, I think, is as a term of endearment. It's not a salutation to a letter. James begins with "Be patient..." In fact, to me it looks like he took particular care not to begin a sentence with the two words.

It's probably just me. But I can't help feeling that he uses it to draw the reader in. Is it an unconscious, technique? Is it a deliberate tool of manipulation?

I think it's a very natural expression of intimacy. In fact, the admonishment "Be patient," juxtaposed with "Brothers and Sisters," makes being patient, a loving thing, which I don't think it necessarily is. In fact, it may just be the opposite. I have all the patience in the world about things I don't care about. It's things that I love that I want yesterday, that I need NOW.

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Faith is a Lay Dominican with a dual apostolate of cyberministry and prison ministry. She blogs here about her "cloistered brothers," her thoughts, spirituality, prayer, and an occasional poem or two.
She also blogs at http://www.21stcenturydominican.com/ She also updates her chapter's blog, Our Lady of Mercy Chapter,http://sites.google.com/site/ourladyofmercychapter/
Lastly, but in no way, of lesser importance, Faith is the general editor of ELUMEN, the internet newsletter for Lay Dominicans in the Eastern Province of St. Joseph. http://www.3op.org/
To subscribe to ELUMEN, contact prouille_1216@comcast.net
May all I do be for the greater glory of God.